2002 Mercury Sable vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Mercury Sable is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2002 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 115 kg more than 2002 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Pontiac Firebird is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercury Sable | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Sable | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
